The depreciation of the Pakistani rupee against the US dollar has significantly increased the cost of two major hydropower projects, adding a combined Rs. 1.896 trillion to their estimated expenses.
According to details shared by the Ministry of Water Resources in the National Assembly, the cost of the Diamer-Bhasha Dam has increased by Rs. 642 billion, rising from Rs. 479 billion to Rs. 1.121 trillion.
The ministry attributed the escalation to changes in foreign exchange rates and confirmed that a revised PC-I had been submitted to the Ministry of Water Resources.
Similarly, the estimated cost of the Dasu Hydropower Project jumped from Rs. 486 billion to Rs. 1.740 trillion. This represents an increase of Rs. 1.254 trillion, or approximately 260%.
Meanwhile, the government also acknowledged that rising petroleum prices and construction material costs had further increased the financial burden of major infrastructure projects.
The price of a cement bag surged by 204%, from Rs. 530 to Rs. 1,610. Likewise, high-speed diesel became 472% more expensive, with its price climbing from Rs. 72 to Rs. 414 per liter.
Steel and iron bars also recorded a substantial increase of 268%, rising from Rs. 72,000 to Rs. 265,000 per metric ton.
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